Impact Georgia, 2013 June

June 2013 Newsletter

In This Issue
1 9th Annual Awards Ceremony
Georgia Public Safety Memorial Ceremony

9th Annual Awards Ceremony

2 50 Years of Fire Services

Graduations at Appling and West Central

On May 21, the Department recognized employees who had excelled in their chosen field and had shown dedication and service in 2012.

Correctional Officer of the Year John Koss, Rogers SP
Probation Officer of the Year Maegon Tyree, Augusta Probation Office

The James Henderson Award Larry Stell (posthumously), Telfair SP
The Tiffany Bishop Horizon Award Antwan Walker, Brunswick Probation Office

Quarterly Field Officer Training

Adjutant General Jim Butterworth of the Georgia National Guard was the ceremony's keynote speaker.

Facilities Supervisor of the Year Betty Bailey-Dean, Hays SP

Legacy Award General James E. Donald, State Board of Pardons & Parole, former GDC Commissioner

Criminal Justice Symposium
14th Annual Nursing Showcase
3 Recognition of Retirees
4GDC Officer Down Memorial Dedication
Audits and Compliance Unit Honors Employees

Congratulations to the following recipients: Volunteers of the Year Dottie Benson, Joseph Davis, Elmer Walker, Scott Grimes, Tiffany Lovell, Dr. William Mitchell, Scott Nanney, Kathy Rich, Carol Shannon, Lisa & Brad Waggoner, Michael Sapp and Doyle Yawn
Faith Based Contributors of the Year Rock Point Church
Partner Agencies of the Year Baldwin Accountability Treatment Court Collaborative, Albany Police/Gang Task Force Toccoa GA Dept. of Labor, GA State Patrol Peer Support Team, GA Correctional Healthcare and Johnson County Probate Office

Probation Supervisor of the Year Ashley Christopher, Marietta Probation Office
Customer Service Champion Award Carlotta Ficklin, Augusta Transitional Center
Headquarters Employee of the Year Jay Sanders, Probation Operations
Employee of the Year John Harper, GD&CP
Individual Fitness Award Ronnie Simmons, Albany Probation Office
The Cynthia Floyd Award Brandon Henderson, Rome Probation Office

Corporate Sponsor of the Year Mr. B's IGA and Tri-State Pet Rescue, Inc.

The Bobby Franklin Award Gordon Spears, Lee Arrendale SP

Facility Fitness Award Baldwin SP
Facility of the Year Lee Arrendale SP
Center of the Year Colwell PDC
Probation Circuit of the Year Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
County Facility of the Year Effingham County Prison
Awards were presented by Commissioner Brian Owens and Assistant Commissioners Timothy C. Ward and Gregory C. Dozier.

Georgia Public Safety Memorial Ceremony

Have a great story idea?
Please submit articles and photos to Gwendolyn Hogan by June 20.
Email: hogang00@dcor.state.ga.us

On May 20, the Georgia Public Safety Memorial Ceremony was held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

Left Photo: Memorial at GPSTC
Center Photo: Governor Deal presenting Commissioner Owens with plaque for Officer Larry Stell
Right Photo: Officer Larry Stell name etched into Memorial Wall at GPSTC

Officer Larry Stell was honored for his dedication and service to the state of Georgia. Commissioner Brian Owens accepted a plaque on behalf of Officer Stell.
The name of Larry Stell along with 11 other law enforcement men and women were added to the Memorial Wall for this years dedication.

Did You Know...The Department's Fire Services Program celebrated 50 Years of Service!

2

50 Years of Fire Services

L to R: Fire Chief of Long County Richard Truman L to R: Fire Chiefs Glynn Pittman, Don Shugart, Larry Brown, L to R: Commissioner Owens, Lee Arrendale Fire Chief Tam- Fire Chiefs and Fire Services team

(and Chief Sylvester Hall

Jessica Z. Maher and Sylvester Hall

my Ayers and female firefighter crew

On May 22, the Department celebrated 50 years of Fire Services at Station #1 at Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto.

Guest speakers included Lauren `Bubba' McDonald who assisted with the amendment of O.C.G.A. Title 25 which permits municipalities to hire former in-

within the GDC program.
During the celebration, wife of Chief Buddy Brooks and Chief Richard Tru-

will be added to the Georgia Public Safety Memorial Wall in Forsyth during the 2014 Georgia Public Safety Memorial Ceremony.

The inmate firefighter program was established in 1963 by Buddy Brooks at the Georgia Industrial Institute, now Lee Arrendae State Prison.

mates who have completed the GDC firefighter program; and Fire Chief Richard Truman of Long County Fire Department who served as a firefighter

man were presented with plaques. Inmate William Allen Satterfield, the only inmate firefighter to die in the line of duty in 1984, was remembered and

Learn more about the program here: http://bit.ly/10vMOzH

Graduations at Appling and West Central Quarterly Field Training Officer Training

Contributed by Superintendents Edd Sanders and Jeffery Pearce

Contributed by Gary Bell, Program Development Consultant

Graduates at West Central ITF
On May 15-16, West Central and Appling Integrated Treatment Facilities (ITF) held the program's first graduations.
Appling ITF had 11 graduates and West Central ITF had six graduates receive their certificates of completion from the program.

Asst. Commissioner Tim Ward at Appling ITF graduation
Appling ITF is a male facility that assists with the reduction of chronic recidivism of substance abuse and crime by meeting the dual diagnosis needs of probationers. West Central ITF is a female facility for probation violators with co-occurring conditions who need mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Field Training Officers at the Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Training Complex for FTO Training

On April 31, the first Probation Field Training Officer (FTO) Quarterly training was hosted at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Training complex in Jackson.
Thirty-one officers were present out of the 49 Judicial Circuits. Officers received training on leadership and retention, radio communication and the

use of force model. In addition, they were trained and certified as Physical Fitness Coordinators and on the AlcoSensor.
A breakout session was conducted where team leaders evaluated and received feedback from the field in order to enhance and improve the program.

Criminal Justice Symposium

14th Annual Nursing Showcase

Contributed by Pamela Gould, Augusta Chief Probation Officer
In honor of National Police Week, a Criminal Justice Symposium and Networking Forum was held for students and the public on May 13.
Augusta State Medical Prison Warden Stan Shepard and Augusta Judicial Circuit Chief Probation Officer Pam Gould served on a panel for the University of Phoenix's College of Criminal Justice and Security.

Contributed by Stan Shepard, Augusta State Medical Prison
case is held annually to honor registered nurses for their contributions to healthcare in CSRA. Nurses are nominated by peers based on criteria which reflects going above and beyond call of duty.
Two nominees at Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP) were Beckye Smith, RN-Infection Control Nurse and Charlene Martin, RN-Director of Nursing.

Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree and Juvenile Judge Doug Flanagan joined the panel. The panel answered questions on current criminal justice topics.

L to R: Warden Shepard, CPO Gould, Sheriff Roundtree and L to R: Infectious Disease Nurse Beckye Smith, Warden

Juvenile Judge Flanagan

Stan Shepard and Director of Nursing Charlene Martin

Beckye has over 35 years and Char-

Issues discussed included gang activ- On May 3, the Georgia Nurses Asso- lene has over 16 years of experience.

ity, victim's assistance, women in the ciation Central Savannah River Area Beckye has been with ASMP for 11 and

criminal justice field and prison down- (CSRA) Chapter presented the 14th Charlene for seven years.

sizing.

Annual Nursing Showcase. The show-

Recognition of Retirees
Thank you Stan Cooper for your 28 years of dedicated service!
On May 30, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Director of Probation Operations Stan Cooper. Picture Left: Commissioner Brian Owens (L) and Stan Cooper. Picture Right, L to R: Court of Appeals Judge Michael Boggs, Stan Cooper and Senator Jeff Mullis.

3

Commissioner Owens presents Stan Cooper with GDC Eagle Award
Thank you Bob Plemons for your 13 years of dedicated service!

Judge Boggs and Senator Mullis present Stan Cooper with Resolutions

On May 10, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Assistant Director of Engineering and Construction Services/Legislative Liaison Bob Plemons. Left Photo, L to R: Senator Jack Hill, Bob Plemons, Senator Jeff
Mullis and Representative Jay Neal. Picture Right, L to R: Asst. Commissioner Dozier, Commissioner Owens, Bob Plemons
and Asst. Commissioner Ward.

Senators Hill and Mullis and Representative Neal present Bob Plemons with Governor's Commendation and flag that was flown over the Capitol in honor of Bob.

Commissioner Owens and Asst. Commissioners Dozier and Ward present Bob with the GDC Eagle Award.

Calendar Events
Thursday, June 6 Board of Corrections
Meeting
Thursday, June 13 Board of Public Safety
Friday, June 14 GPA Golf Tournament
Monday, June 17 GDC Roll-Up
"Day in Central Office"
Saturday, June 22 Kids Fishing Event at State Offices South

Thursday, June 27 BCOT Graduation

Thank you Dennis Brown Thank you Frank Teasley Thank you Darryll Hart for

for your 34 years of

for your 36 years of

your 23 years of

dedicated service!

dedicated service!

dedicated service!

On May 1, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Augusta State Medical Prison Warden Dennis Brown. Pictured above, L to R: Dennis Brown, Asst. Commissioner Tim Ward, Deputy Director Johnny Sikes and Field Operations Manager
Cynthia Nelson.

On May 23, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Whitworth Women's Facility Warden Frank Teasley. Pictured above, L to R: Field Operations Manager Victor Walker, Deputy Director Jack Koon, Field Operations Manager Steve Upton and
Frank Teasley.

On May 22, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Wilcox State Prison Warden Darryll Hart. Pictured above, L to R: Deputy Director Jack Koon, Warden Darryll Hart, Deputy Director Johnny Sikes
and Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward.

youtube.com/user/ GACorrections

Thank you Stanley Arrington for your 31 years of dedicated service!
On May 29, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Atlanta Transitional Center Superintendent Stanley Arrington. Pictured, L to R: Warden Kathy Seabolt, Stanley Arrington, Chaplain Charles
Tolbert and James Doctor, GDC retiree.

Thank you Anthony
Washington for your 30 years of dedicated service!
On May 23, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Rutledge State Prison Warden Anthony
Washington.

Thank you Michael Carlton for your 29 years of dedicated service!
On May 30, the Department held a retirement ceremony for Employment Services Manager Michael Carlton. Pictured L to R: Michael
Carlton and HR Director Patricia Smith.

facebook.com/georgiacorrections GA_Corrections

4

GDC Officer Down Memorial Dedication

Attendees after the dedication ceremony
On May 29, the Department held an Officer Down Memorial Dedication outside of Roberts Chapel at State Offices South at Tift College.
"Today we honor 27 individuals, who during the course of a century, from 1912 to 2012, lost their lives in the line of duty," said Commissioner Brian Owens at the opening of the ceremony.
Commissioner Owens stated how the location of the memorial garden was fitting as with every graduating class of officers that leave Roberts Chapel,

Memorial plaque

L to R: DPS Commissioner Col. McDonough, GDC Commissioner Owens and Asst. Commissioners Dozier and Ward

newly credentialed, they will be reminded by the names on the wall the gravity of their chosen profession.
Commissioner Owens, Assistant Commissioners Timothy C. Ward and Gregory C. Dozier and Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety Colonel Mark W. McDonough unveiled the memorial plaque during the ceremony.
Fallen GDC Officers Joseph Coody, 3/21/12 Clyde M. Greshma, 8/29/36 Z.B. West, 9/11/42

Clarence Cox, 11/8/43 Seaborn Ira Gilstrap, 4/1/57 Donald Boyd Smith, 3/29/70 Richard Harris Rogers, 3/29/70 James Melvin Haywood, 2/18/71 Frank Temples, 10/25/71 William Carl Branch, 8/2/76 Dan Harrison, 7/23/78 Ralph William Kimbro, 11/15/78 Frank C. Scott, 9/18/80 Wilson Morris Cartwright, 11/26/84 Lee Franklin Coxwell, 11/15/86 Walter Owen Fulford, 1/24/90 Eugene Rockett, 3/31/93 Stacy Rama Burnett, 6/20/96

Carlton R. Cherry, Sr., 2/27/97 Eddie Mack Davis, 2/27/97 Tommy Lee Goggins, 2/27/97 Wayne Griglen, 2/27/97 James Grover Henderson, 6/3/2002 Eugene T. "Tal" Groover, Jr., 7/9/2004 Jack Wesley Cannon, 8/20/2009 Tiffany Danelle Bishop, 8/31/2011 Larry Lee Stell, 10/11/2012
"Let the names on this wall remind us that often times safety comes with sacrifice," said Commissioner Owens.

Audits and Compliance Unit Honors Employees

Contributed by Kevin Roberts, Regional Operations Coordinator

L to R: Warden Eric Sellers, FOM Cynthia Nelson, CO Con- Security staff during the comprehensive audit close out on May 15th stance Hamilton and Deputy Director of Audits and Compliance
Antoine Caldwell

Warden Eric Sellers, FOM Cynthia Nelson, CO Vanessa Brewton and Deputy Director of the Audits and Compliance Antoine Caldwell

On May 13-15, the agency's Audit and Compliance Unit conducted a comprehensive audit at Phillips State Prison.
After the completion of all audits, two individuals and one group are recognized for exceptional performance. Officer Constance Hamilton received one

of the two individual awards. Officer Hamilton began her career with the department in 2010 and currently serves as the Tool Control Officer at Phillips. Her unit was in excellent condition with no critical findings.
Officer Vanessa Brewton, whose

primary responsiblity is Disciplinary Procedures, received the the second individual award. Officer Brewton began her career in 2000. It was found that the disciplinary process was in excellent condition.
The group award went to the Security

staff who had an overall score of 98 percent with no critical findings within the 18 topics that were audited.
Congratulations Officer Hamilton, Officer Brewton and to the security staff for a job well done.

MISSION The Department of Corrections creates a safer Georgia
by effectively managing offenders and providing opportunities for positive change
VISION To be recognized as the best corrections organization in the nation.

BRIAN OWENS Commissioner
PUBLIC AFFAIRS Joan Heath Director
Gwendolyn Hogan Managing Editor
Rachad Hollis Contributor, Public Relations & Information Specialist